Home » News » Intrepid’s Yvette Thompson on winning awards and women’s expeditions: Travel Weekly TV

26 November, 2024

Intrepid’s Yvette Thompson on winning awards and women’s expeditions: Travel Weekly TV

Edited by Travel Weekly

Intrepid Travel’s General Manager of Sales & Marketing, Yvette Thompson, recently spoke with Travel Weekly TV about the company’s recent NTIA win as Best Global Tour Operator and their ongoing commitment to sustainability, employee wellbeing and inclusivity.

Speaking on the recent NTIA win, Thompson said that the award was a collective achievement across the entire company. “It’s really been the whole company,” she said. “It’s not one department or one piece of the pie. Our local knowledge on the ground, our commitment to sustainability, and the wellbeing of our people all contributed.”

Intrepid operates with 35 Destination Management Companies (DMCs) globally, helping create a deep understanding of local cultures and a focus on responsible tourism. It also places a strong emphasis on employee benefits, offering staff wellness programs, expanded parental leave, and career development opportunities like the leadership program Lamp.

In addition to its award-winning tours, Intrepid is expanding its reach with new publishing and media initiatives like the Intrepid List and Intrepid Adventures (its TV show, aired on Channel 10).

“We have a really committed customer base, but they only travel with us once a year or once every two years,” Thompson said. “We wanted to connect with them more often. This effort includes the launch of Intrepid Adventures, which recently aired on Channel 10 showcasing Morocco through Intrepid’s unique travel perspective.”

It’s the best decision I’ve ever made

As a certified B Corp, Intrepid upholds transparency in its marketing, with Thompson stressed the importance of accountability.

“We hold ourselves accountable,” she said. “Being in the B Corp community makes us look at everything with a finer lens.” One example is Intrepid’s recently introduced carbon labelling on all its trips, allowing customers to make more informed choices about their environmental impact.

Another key focus for Intrepid is their women-only tours, which have grown significantly in demand. Thompson noted that tours to places like Saudi Arabia have been especially popular. “We’ve gone from five departures to 15 because the demand has been so high,” she said. These tours are led by women and feature female-led suppliers, providing participants with a unique perspective on life in these countries.

Reflecting on her 16 years in the travel industry, Thompson encouraged women to consider a career in the sector.

“There are so many opportunities in marketing, product, sales, finance – whatever direction you want to take,’ she said.

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

intrepid travel Women In Travek Yvette Thompson